193: Why are you still reading? (Bonus chapter)

Jiang Ye, whose heart was set ablaze by the dramatic girl's 'direct attack,' returned to the master bedroom and swiftly turned on his computer, planning to engage in a few intense keyboard battles in Summoner's Rift, using the passion of Zaunites to quickly cool himself down.

But the usually infallible 'cooling method' failed today.

Perhaps the previous losing streak triggered the Elo system, as today's Ranked Matches were absurdly easy.

Either the enemy Mid Laner disconnected at the start, or they started arguing and feeding kills mid-game. Jiang Ye inexplicably secured a three-game winning streak, with no sense of cathartic release.

Refusing to believe it, he chose heroes he had never played before for the last two matches, hoping to increase the difficulty.

As soon as the game started, a teammate typed in the chat: 'Let's go, bros~ Smurf account~ Don't feed and we win~'.

Jiang Ye instantly understood when he saw his Jungler pick the Default Skin Nidalee.

Today's points were forcefully handed to him by the Elo system—he couldn't lose even if he tried.

His plan to distract himself with gaming completely backfired. The restless fire stirred up by Su Ning not only didn't subside but grew clearer due to his idleness.

Frustrated, he quit the game, slumped in his chair, spaced out for a moment, and instinctively opened Ye Cheng's WeChat, dialing a video call.

The ringtone 'beeped' a few times before the other party hung up.

A few seconds later, Ye Cheng's message came through:

'I have exams these days, everyone's studying. Hold on, I'll go to the hallway to call you.'

Jiang Ye: 'Forget it then, the hallway's too cold, don't freeze. I just wanted to ask what time you'll be done the day after tomorrow?'

Ye Cheng: 'Around four or five? The last exam ends at 3 p.m., why?'

Jiang Ye: 'Nothing, I just suddenly miss you, really, really miss you!'

After sending the message, there was silence for a few seconds, then a reply popped up that made Jiang Ye's eyelids twitch violently:

Ye Cheng: '...Did you peek at them showering?'

Jiang Ye: '???'

Jiang Ye: 'What are you talking about? I just genuinely miss you!'

Ye Cheng: 'Tsk... Did I miss a word between 'miss' and 'you'?'

Jiang Ye: '...'

Ye Cheng: 'Can't help it, Classmate Xiao Ye, distant water can't quench immediate thirst~'

Ye Cheng: 'How about... you check the Shared Bathrooms to see if they left any underwear after showering? Make do with that?'

'...'

Jiang Ye's apartment is a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom layout, an entry-level upgraded unit in Jindi Shangfeng's Flat, essentially the lowest-tier Flat configuration. Only the master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, while the other three bedrooms share the two Shared Bathrooms outside.

Since moving in, he hadn't really used the Shared Bathrooms much.

Speaking of which... reminded by Ye Cheng, he really felt... it was time to inspect the public hygiene as the Landlord!

He quietly put away his phone, scratched his head, pretended nothing was wrong, pushed open the master bedroom door, and casually strolled to the nearest shared bathroom.

The first bathroom was clean and tidy. Besides hand soap and a hand towel on the sink, there was nothing. Behind the shower curtain was empty too.

Opening the washing machine lid revealed it was also empty.

The second bathroom was similar—not even a single long hair in sight.

Tsk... nothing gained.

Lin Wanxing and Su Ning were both meticulous girls, leaving him no 'tools for mischief.'

'Little Bro! Little Bro!'

Just as Jiang Ye was dejectedly about to return to his bedroom, the door to Su Ning's Secondary bedroom across from him suddenly opened:

'Don't go back! It's 8 p.m.! The Hall Battle is about to start!'

He clicked his tongue, glanced at Su Ning, and was about to sit on the sofa when his steps halted abruptly. His gaze, which had just shifted away, sharply refocused on her.

Su Ning noticed the man's eyes instantly grow intense, blushed, curled her toes in her slippers, and almost reflexively retreated to her room.

But remembering her 'go-for-broke' resolve, she gritted her teeth, braced herself, and pretended to be calm as she shuffled into the living room:

'Little Bro! The Hall Battle is starting soon, come quick, watch my livestream!'

After saying that, she sat on the long sofa by herself and logged into her TikTok account.

The chattering, warm-up interaction sounds of the 'Wen Yus Girlfriend' hosts immediately blared through the phone's speaker.

Jiang Ye took a deep breath, suppressing the restless flames in his heart, walked over, and sat opposite the sofa. Just as he was about to speak, Lin Wanxing, hearing the commotion, also pushed open her door and came out.

'Little Su, are you starting that... Hall Battle?'

'Yes, Sister Wanxing! Want to watch too? It's really fun!'

Lin Wanxing walked over, looking curious: 'Yeah, let's see how The Rich spend their money, and witness our Little Su's sudden wealth...'

Before she could finish, her gaze inadvertently swept over Su Ning, and her tone suddenly faltered.

'Little Su! Little Su! You...'

Lin Wanxing, as if discovering something shocking, grabbed her arm and whispered: 'You forgot to wear underwear?!'

'Huh?'

Su Ning pretended to be surprised, looked down, then showed 'panic' and 'shyness' on her face. She quickly crossed her arms over her chest to cover up, simultaneously turning to glare at Jiang Ye across from her, coquettishly scolding:

'Little Bro! You... you're not allowed to look! You're still looking! I said don't look, you... you pervert!'

'...'

Lin Wanxing felt a vein throbbing on her forehead and quickly tugged her arm: 'Stop with the 'you you you'! Hurry back and put some on!'

Only then did Su Ning seem to realize, letting out an 'oh,' slowly stood up, continued shielding her chest with her hands, took small, hurried steps, and 'flusteredly' wobbled back to her room.

Jiang Ye: '...'

Unbeatable.

This woman knew he didn't want to make a move on her for now, so she blatantly upgraded her 'seduction' tactics.

Truly... the devil is always one step ahead.